A powerful dust storm swept through central and southern Iraq on April 14, 2025, blanketing cities in a thick orange haze. With visibility near zero, more than 3,000 people faced breathing issues, and over 1,800 were hospitalized. Airports were shut, power lines fell, and a state of emergency was declared.
A severe dust storm hit central and southern Iraq on April 14, 2025, hospitalizing over 1,800 people due to breathing issues. The storm disrupted air travel, caused power outages, and injured a pilgrim in Najaf. Authorities blame climate change, desertification, and drought for the increasing intensity of such weather events.
climate change, Iraq dust storm, Middle East weather
